Wil @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Remember that guy in high school who never used to come out and drink because he was holed up in his basement practicing guitar for a band that never materialized? Well, he grew up to be Wil — one of this country's most talented singer/songwriters. What has your partying gotten you?

Grade: 90

Comment:It took a few moments for the crowd to realize Wil (all alone with his guitar) was actually a performer and not just setting up for closer Young Rival. A few songs into his set, the crowd was still in disbelief because Wil was so astoundingly good. A Rivoli cook, mesmerized, stopped to watch for several minutes on her way to the back room.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Wil: "Anyone else eat a pack of Halls before they get on stage? You don't need to drink, just eat a pack of Halls. That stuff will see you through some times." It's nice to see the art of dispensing wisdom to your audience hasn't died.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Best. Acoustic. Guitar. Player. Ever. No joke — this man is gifted. He was doing things with his hands that most people wouldn't be able to pull off after a lifetime of practice. He can perfectly tune a guitar to any configuration in less than 10 seconds. He can make that one instrument sound like an entire band.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E 
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Wil had new strings on his guitar. This was obvious from the foot-and-a-half long loose ends that were sticking out from the headstock. You really need to clip those things, Wil; they could take out an eye. He knew it was going to be a sweaty night, but at least he had some fun with it: "I look like a honey-baked ham."